2016 chevrolet corvette Model Overview

New for 2016

The 2016 Chevrolet Corvette gains three new design packages, Twilight Blue, Spice Red and Jet Black. Two-tone GT seats in red or gray are now offered in leather or suede. Two new exterior colors, Corvette Racing Yellow Tintcoat and Long Beach Red Metallic Tintcoat, have been added. Carbon fiber badges now delete the chrome bar on the front grille while the carbon fiber hood now features a visible weave section. The Jet Black interior option on the 3LT and 3LZ variant is now available with red or yellow contrast stitching. Z06 models gain the new “Blade” accessory wheel while the Stingray’s standard alloys are now available in silver, black, black machined, and chrome designs. Magnetic Ride Control is now available as a standalone option in the Stingray and comes with the wheels and spoiler from the Z51 Package. A power-cinch feature has been added for to hatch of the coupe and trunk of the convertible. 2LT, 3LT, 2LZ, and 3LZ trims are now available with a front curb view parking camera. Brownstone interior color is now available in the 3LZ grade.

A special-edition model called the C7.R Edition has been added and will be limited to 500 units. The Corvette Z06 C7.R Edition is available in yellow or black exterior colors with coordinated accents inside and out, and will come standard with the Z07 Performance Package, carbon ceramic brakes and a serialized vehicle identification number.

Vehicle Summary

The 2016 Chevrolet Corvette is a two-seat, rear-drive sports car available as a coupe or convertible and has served as the brand’s signature performance vehicle since its introduction decades ago.

Overview

A 6.2-liter V-8 rated at 455 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque (460 hp and 465 lb-ft with the optional performance exhaust) powers the Corvette Stingray and is paired to a seven-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. The high performance Corvette Z06 features a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 with 650 hp and 650 lb-ft, and is also available with the same gearbox options as the Corvette Stingray. Fuel economy in the Stingray is impressive for such a powerful car at 17/29 mpg city/highway with the manual at 16/29 mpg with the automatic. In the Z06, gas mileage takes a hit due to its focus on providing visceral performance, with the manual rated at 15/22 mpg and the automatic at 13/23 mpg.

The Corvette offers a surprising amount of cargo space for a sports car, at 15 cubic feet in the coupe’s hatch. Convertibles have less space in the trunk at 10 cubic feet but it’s still more useful than competitors such as the Porsche 911 and Nissan GT-R, which offer less capacity.

Trims, Packages, and What’s Standard

Base 1LT models come standard with dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment system with an eight-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay compatibility, keyless entry and start, a nine-speaker Bose audio system, a rearview camera, GT bucket seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, HID headlights with LED accents, and staggered alloy wheels measuring 18 inches up front and 19 inches in the rear. Go fast upgrades such as Magnetic Ride Control, a performance exhaust, and a more aggressive suspension set up are available in the 1LT, 2LT and 3LT trims, and standard on all variants equipped with the Z51 package. Navigation is available as part of the Performance Data and Video Recorder option while larger alloy wheels measuring 19 inches front and 20 inches in the rear are also available. The Corvette Z06 is available with even more performance features including carbon ceramic Brembo-branded brakes, an even more aggressive Z07 suspension setup, Michelin Pilot Super Sport Cup summer performance tires, carbon fiber splitter and rockers, and a more aggressive rear spoiler.

What We Think

The 2016 Corvette continues to offer excellent performance that rivals or surpasses that of cars that cost double or more than its mid-$50,000 starting price. In a 2014 First Test of a Corvette Z51 Convertible, we said that the car drives well especially on twisty roads where it feels right home thanks to its well-executed seven-speed manual and steering that’s “quick and weighty.” Opting for the eight-speed automatic doesn’t come at the cost of performance as we noted in a 2015 First Drive because the transmission provides lighting fast shifts, quicker acceleration, and improved fuel economy. The available Magnetic Ride Control is another highlight in the 2016 Corvette because it improves ride quality while preserving the car’s impeccable handling; however, in the case of the Z06 and Stingrays equipped with the Z51 Package, the ride does veer toward the stiff side due performance-oriented suspension. In a comparison test that also included the Ferrari F12berlinetta and Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, the Corvette Stingray with the Z51 Package placed second only due to the latter being able to put down power more efficiently. However, as an entire package, the judges praised the Corvette, offering excellent performance and an interior that’s a nice place to spend time in thanks to its excellent fit and finish.

While the 2016 Corvette Stingray provides impeccable performance, the Corvette Z06 builds upon that with a 650-hp supercharged V-8, carbon ceramic brakes, and a suspension setup that’s even more honed for the track. In a 2015 First Test of the Corvette Z06 with the eight-speed automatic, we said that the car is just as capable on the track as the manual-equipped car. However, the transmission can be slow to react in manual mode especially when compared to the dual-clutch gearboxes utilized in its competitors.

Cool Fact

For $990, buyers can opt to pick up their Corvette at the National Corvette Museum (NCM) in Bowling Green, Kentucky (option R8C). This includes a VIP tour of the museum for four (including the car’s owner), delivery presentation, and drive-off ceremony. Owners will also receive a personalized plaque with their name and the NCM logo in the console area of the dash to commemorate the Museum delivery. Before delivery, the NCM will contact you to schedule the pickup date and tell you what documents you need to bring that day.

2016 CHEVROLET CORVETTE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS

2016 Chevrolet Corvette News and Reviews

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